I would not have known that the Supermax/Gitmo controversy was being covered again, except that I was working in a ye olde antique store and spotted a man outside. He was walking literally in the road, seemingly talking to himself, complete with hand gestures.

Even though Florence is a great and friendly burg--I've seen this type of activity before. My first thought was--poor guy. My second thought was: It's a news reporter. But I saw no news camera or cameraman initially. So I stepped outside to see what was happening. It turns out the camera was at ground level at first.

I got a glimpse of his jacket and saw it was Channel 4 in Denver--but later checked our more local Colorado Springs stations and didn't see any Gitmo coverage around Florence. Then I went online and viewed the Channel 4 story. It seems the city officials interviewed, mayor Keith Ore, and city manager, Mike Patterson, are both opposed. As were local residents that were interviewed.

I recall we had local (and not-so-local) cameras in Florence last Oct. on the Gitmo subject. In fact, I mentioned it on this blog. One of our local antique dealers, who is a colorful character and owner of Florence Antiques, Larry Nelson, was featured on the Denver FOX channel. Nelson gave his opinion on Gitmo, but also used the opportunity to promote not only his shop--but Florence, as the antiques capital of Colorado.

No, I don't think GITMO is a funny subject. I just found it amusing that Nelson turned it into a promotional opportunity for this fair burg and that a Denver FOX station did a good job of balancing the town's quaint antiques reputation with a serious subject. And I occasionally run blog posts with a theme of: Who Says Antiques Can't Be Fun?

Florence, Colorado's Main St.

Today's Channel 4 story just stuck to the GITMO angle. We did see a glimpse of Wood Grain On Main and Barn & Barrel--two antiques stores-- and a few shots of the main street showing the general atmosphere of our shops and eateries.

Last October, right after the GITMO stories ran, not just in Denver, but in the Colorado Springs area--I noticed an increase in people coming through town. Of course, local people are delighted to welcome visitors here. We are the antiques capital of Colorado. Officially. We also have art galleries and other unique businesses.

I'd prefer to see the town know for that, more than the semi-looming threat of housing more terrorists at Supermax. But that's just me. What do you think?

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

The Rialto Theater was built in 1923 as an opera house on Florence, Colorado's Main St. This Sunday, anyone can be part of watching a professional team film a promotion video that will be used to raise money on Kickstarter to restore the town's treasure.

A portion of Main St. will be closed Sunday, Feb. 28 from 7 to 9 p.m. as a crew films. People from Fremont County or anywhere for that matter have been invited, via a series of radio ads, to view the filming.

The Rialto is currently under restoration and it is hoped the theater will be open within a few years, or sooner if the money is raised.

I know I'll be there watching the filming. I've heard a few people are planning on being in period costumes--but it isn't a requirement to watch the filming.

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

True story: It's fun to eat one's way across Colorado, especially when you die and get to go to Sicilian heaven.

Backstory. The girlfriends and I don't often leave Florence--the antiques capital of Colorado. I guess we are antiques hermits. There's plenty to do and see in Fremont County. But it was one of the girlfriends' birthday--and she wanted to go to Pueblo.

Now, this is embarrassing. I lived in Colorado Springs for over 20 years, and probably went to Pueblo about five times during those two decades. And in the few years I've been in Fremont County--I've only been a few times. And that's my polite way of saying, I don't know my way around Pueblo. My husband usually drives and as he cryptically commented to the husbands of the girlfriends: She's usually talking so much on the drive that she doesn't even pay attention to anything until we actually arrive.

The girlfriends overheard that and laughed, because it was true with them also. And they too--even though they had lived in various areas for years, close to Pueblo, rarely ventured there and when they did, they too were talking and not paying attention how to get around Pueblo.

I was driving without knowing where I was going and mention that years ago, an Italian friend took me an Italian market. I could not remember where it was or the name of it. I only remember that it was in a sketchy neighborhood.

They have no clue--since they all know Pueblo as well as I do. We venture to one junk store and find some goodies. And the lady who works at the store tells us there used to be four of five similar stores in the neighborhood, but it's gotten so bad that they all moved or went out of business. We don't know what she is talking about until she tells us there are drugs and drug dealers are all around us.

We get into the car and I make a wrong turn off the main business road into a residential area. People hanging out in their driveways and yards give us the snake eye. We stop at a yard sale--cause a yard sale trumps ALL caution and fear. AND it turns out Sicilian food trumps ALL too.

We go one more block as I attempt to get back on a main road and I scream," There it is! The Italian market from years ago."

Turns out it is Gagliano's on 1220 Elm St. off Northern.

I jump out of the car and run to the holy grail. Let me explain. I had a Sicilian grandmother and a part Sicilian mother.

And until recently, I did not know Pueblo was a mecca of Sicilian yumminess, I had not experienced it in years--since both my grandmother and mother have passed on and other parts of Colorado are not exactly replete with a Little Italy.

I staggered into the deli with the two girlfriends. I rush to the counter and order some Mortadella.

The birthday girlfriend is from the East Coast and into many things Italian, but asked what Mortadella was.

"Why it's Italian bologna!" I gasped.

She didn't look too impressed. Then the guy behind the counter flung two samples in front of us--even though there were three of us. Hey, I was only ordering a whopping 1/2 pound. I told the girlfriends to try it, since I knew what it tasted like.

HER: So, it's Italian salami?

ME: No, Bologna. But with pistachios in it. It's genius. Genius, I say! Anyone who thought of mixing the nut of the gods in a cold cut should be crowned.

She looked at me suspiciously and then took a bite.

I asked if she liked it.

She could barely answer, because her joy was complete. Next thing I know we decide we will have a Sicilian-themed birthday party for her the next day. I know--it was a sacrifice, but it was the least I could do.

"Do you like head cheese?" I slyly asked.

She said she didn't know what it was. I told her, but she didn't seem to absorb it, as we were all under the trance of real Italian food laid before us in dizzying array.

I ordered some head cheese--which is probably not even Italian, but who cares.

Then it was on to the olives. Don't hate me because though I'm a bit Sicilian--I despise green olives. Black are good. But all that vinegary stuff does not agree with my palate. But the girlfriends were into green olives.

The deli guy overhead my aversion to green olives and said he could live without them also. BUT then he gave a sample of these green olives.

Oh, sweet mystery of life--at last I've found you, a green olive I actually love. Straight from Italy. And they look just like when they come off the tree. OK, when they come off the tree (yes, I used to live in an actual olive orchard years ago) they are bitter, but pretty. These olives from Gagliano's are flavorful, crisp and have none of that overpowering vinegar.

I did get a few of those vinegary olives for others--and they loved them. And everyone loved the cheese too.

And the birthday girl was happily eating some head cheese (not pictured) when someone finally told her what was in it. She screamed, because she didn't remember me telling her briefly, at the deli, what it was. Of course, she loved it until she found out.

And that is just the beginning of our eating our way across Colorado. And Gagliano's is simply delicious and authentic--but was just the first stop on our accidental Sicilian tour of Pueblo. If you want to know more about some of the best Italian treats and our search for a cannoli or two or three--you'll have to tune into the next post of, Eating My Way Across Colorado.

And if you want to know where I got that cool vegetable/radish dish the olives are displayed in--I'll tell you right now. For 50 cents at a yard sale in Fremont County. Yeah, that's one reason why we rarely leave Fremont County--there's a bargain on almost every corner.

Everyone knows it's not polite to talk about religion and politics. I rarely do, unless someone else brings it up. And it's not because I don't have an opinion or two (or two thousand) it's because I feel those are subjects for family and trusted friends.

And it's a definite taboo in a retail situation. I always feel I need to be a neutral worker when representing someone else's business--whether that business is an antiques store or several publications I have written for.

I know it's tough to be neutral and objective in this world--but it's how I was trained and part of my nature.

But that doesn't mean that numerous customers don't bring up politics.

I do believe pollsters should be paying me for the information I have collected, just by being neutral and listening to people who bring up politics.

And here's even the demographics. Colorado is a purple state.

My demographics are mainly men who bring up politics. OK, one woman brought it up out of 100 or more men. I don't interpret the facts, I just get amazed over those uneven demographics inwardly.

I'll give you a sample of one conversation that happened today. But it is representative of dozens of them over the months.

HIM: I don't want no socialist for a president.

ME: Oh, my!

HIM: Darn socialist.

ME: Then who would you want as president?

HIM: TRUMP!

Here's my unofficial poll, so far, taken in an antiques store--without me EVER starting the conversation.

TRUMP--100 plus
RUBIO--0
CRUZ--0
CARSON-0
CLINTON-0
SOCIALIST GUY-0

OK, you get the point.

So, am I to conclude that in a purple state, ALL antique shoppers and browsers are for Trump?

I won't reveal who I am for.

Wait! Is that a picture of my beloved terrier mix that I combed some of his hair and then plopped it on his head to make him look a little like Trump--and called his new hair-do: Trump Your Poochie in a previous blog post?

No, I'd never do anything like that. OK, I would. And I haven't looked in my own blog archives, but I believe back in July or August, I already called the race. Not on personal or unofficial polls of antique store goers--but based on bad hair. I predicted that Trump and Saunders might be battling it out late in the race, because the spoils might go to the folks with the worst hair.

OK, I think antiques are funny. I think politics are funny. Wait, I think just about everything that isn't truly serious can be funny. And here's what I find funny--but eye-opening.

I live in a purple state, sort of in middle America. And in a rural area. And dozens and dozens of people come up to me and confide they are for Trump. It's sort of like a confessional without having to go visit a priest. They'll probably not run into me again--and if they do, I'll never reveal what they told me.

I have no problem with that. They all do acknowledge he is rough and maybe needs to keep his trap shut a little more. BUT, they usually give me a smile that says: I secretly love it!

I am far removed from the East Coast. But it is where my roots are. Even though I have been gone since kindergarten, I understand the differences in politics, humor, culture, jokes, etc. on the East Coast versus other parts of the country. I have lived in most parts of the country--and what flies in the way of humor in the East, might be frowned on in the South.

See, what former presidential candidate Rick Perry is doing would be considered perhaps OK in the South, but not in the East. Wait, I really looked closely at this picture--what he is doing would not be considered OK anywhere.

Turn your attention back to that Trump photo. I chose it for a reason. Not to put the Donald in a bad light. It just reminds me a bit of how my grandmother (East Coast through and through) used to look (minus the combover) and express her emotions. Unless you've been around it or raised around it--it can be a bit off-putting. For those who know a little about some portions of the East (and some Italians) Trump reminded me of granny when she used to do (and say) the Fangul. This is a family-friendly blog, so if you really want to know the history of the Fangul--Google it.

So, just saying. I'm a little surprised that folks here are coming out in droves and talking about Trump. And that's the confessions of an antiques store worker for today.

Monday, February 22, 2016

Heck, yeah! I keep trying to tell people that Florence (the antiques capital of Colorado) has more cool, funky, junky and fun things going on than towns five times its size. Here's more proof: Outspokin' Bike Rentals.

This beacon of hippery and great service recently opened a storefront at 124 S Pikes Peak Ave.

Florence is the antiques capital of Colorado and the town's many shops and galleries are stocked year-round with all the makings of steampunk, Victoriana and industrial fashions, home decor, jewelry and gifts. Florence could be well on its way to becoming the unofficial steampunk capital of Colorado, with not only a fantastic steampunk festival gearing up for April 9 and 10--but all the shops that have carried steampunk items for years.

And here's the latest press release for Escape In Time To Steampunk And Wine Festival in Florence, Colorado--sent to me from the festival organizer.

Escape in Time to Steampunk and Wine” Festival taking place in Florence, Colorado
on April 9th -10th, 2016 is gearing up. The Historic Rialto Theater will serve as the venue for this
year’s fundraiser, along with vendors and entertainers on Santa Fe Street north and south of
Main Street.

The romantic, Victorian, industrial Steampunk movement is seeping into fashion, interior
design and mainstream media. Steampunk with its love of the old, reworked and imperfect could have no
better backdrop than Florence. Organizers want to use this movement to gather resources for the historic
Rialto Theater (1923 opera house), to help match grant funds to help with the renovation. Inviting the entire community to
participate in this event is a positive way to promote Florence, the goal to provide the ultimate experience
that will show how Steampunk is fun, cool and a mash-up of visual styles that has great appeal to all ages.

An exciting addition to our list of sponsors is the Royal Gorge Bridge, who is helping to
‘bridge the gap’ between Florence and the Royal Gorge by providing a bus trip for the
Steampunk patrons to the Bridge on both Saturday and Sunday mornings with enough time for
photos. The cost is only $10.00.

The Gold Canyon Gunfighters are returning from last year as
well as local musicians, Bobby Dean and the Frost Mountain Clan. A blue grass sensation, Silver
Cliff will be on hand Saturday afternoon. The Midnight Sun, who brought down the house last
year, will once again entertain at The Steampunk Ball on Saturday night, and Sunday at Noon.

There will be a costume contest, burlesque show, and a silent auction during intermission at the
Ball.
A new event this year will be a steampunk talent show. Auditions will begin on Feb 27
at the Bell Tower from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. for a newly invented steampunk instrument, a redesigned
instrument and any other steampunk talent you may have to offer. Creativity and fun is what
we are looking for. Once contestants finish the audition they will be part of the show where
judging for winning the contest will take place. Those who can’t make the first audition can
come to the Florence High School on March 12 from 1:00 PM to 5: PM.

Costume contests and a fashion show will also be part of the activities, along with
contests and activities for the kids. With the fashion show mainly for the ladies, we must
include our men with a mustache and beard contest. The last event on Sunday will be the
Steampunk Pet Contest.

The wine will be unique this year, graced with our own label along
with other spirits and wines, available at the Rialto, of course these are all for the cause with
your donation. Admission for Steampunk activities is $10 for adults and $5 for students. For an
extra $5 the ball is included (the price is $10 for the ball alone). Children under 5 will be free.
Minors are welcome at the ball with adult supervision however all under age 21 will be
required to leave before 10:00 PM.

Advance tickets are now available for a discount at Spirit Riders Western Emporium in
Florence. Stop in and discuss what steampunk is all about! You can get ideas of costumes there
and at many of the shops in town (hats, goggles, corsets, boots, jewelry, vintage clothes, etc.), so
check out all the antique and other shops in Florence as they are all getting ready for the event.
The excitement generated by this event is overwhelming and the preparation of getting
costumes is half the fun of it! You ladies must try on a corset… they are way more comfortable
than you think!
For information please email steampunkwine@yahoo.com or call Barb @ 719-431-3592.

Sunday, February 14, 2016

True story. Oh, wait that's the name of this blog. But true story. I was in Pueblo this weekend, browsing in the antiques district on Union.

Wait, before you call me a traitor to Florence the antiques capital of Colorado--where I live and work--let me explain.

This is only the second time I've been to the antiques district in Pueblo in my entire life. The last time, I only had time to visit one store--and this time, browsed three of them. I was suitably impressed and even bought a few things. But deep in my heart, I was thinking I liked Florence, and not just because I work there and know a few antiques dealers.

I had a $5 vintage nut chopper in my mitts and was in the basement section of one of the antiques malls in Pueblo and getting ready to go upstairs and checkout, when I heard a voice.

"Ma'am? Are there any other places in southern Colorado like this?"

I turned around to see a middle-aged man with a sincere face. "I just love antiques and historical buildings. Are there more places like this? I am new to the area."

I was just ready to open my mouth and say," Well, let me tell you about this little town about 30 miles up the road called Florence."

But he continued," I know about Florence. I was just there. And wow--that town is, well... Just filled with historic buildings and antiques."

"Hmm," I replied," I just happen to live there and work in an antiques mall there. You do know Florence is the antiques capital of Colorado?"

He did not know that. But what he told me was the he had just relocated to Pueblo a few months ago from Washington State, where is HIS opinion there was no culture. At least in the section of the state he came from. He was wowed, delighted and enchanted by Pueblo's district and the beauty and uniqueness of Florence.

He said of Florence," Why it's so amazing. I've never seen so many antiques stores. You can stroll there and then just walk a few feet and be eating at Quincy's."

For those who don't know--Quincy's is a semi-new addition to Florence's Main St. It is almost always packed--and that is no wonder. The food is great and the prices are fantastic. And it's located in a historic building and decorated to warm the hearts of anyone who loves history and antiques.

This recent Pueblo transplant almost felt like he had dropped into an alternate universe filled with culture, historic buildings, beauty and antiques everywhere. He was eager to explore southern Colorado further.

I told him that Walsenburg was a fairly good bet with an antiques mall and few good funky shops and historic buildings. But I told him he already had really hit the goldmine with Pueblo's antiques district and discovering Florence. He agreed. He walked off thanking me profusely and with rather with a dazed and happy look on his face.

I guess us locals are rather used to all the culture and history and beauty in southern Colorado. It was fascinating to run into a stranger and newcomer who reminded me just how special southern Colorado is.

Friday, February 12, 2016

Florence is the official antiques capital of Colorado. And last year, I suggested that Florence should be the unofficial steampunk capital of Colorado.

Why? I was hoping you would ask!

A kicking steampunk festival is why.

But this year promises to even be better (if that's possible) as the town gears up for the 2nd annual Escape In Time To Steampunk And Wine Festival.

There will a new event--a steampunk talent show. Check out a previous blog post for information on that. And do a search on this blog for steampunk and you'll find many posts from last year that highlighted just a snippet of what folks were up to as they prepared for the festival.

This year, I'll be around town peeking into shops and seeing how people are getting creative in celebrating all things steampunk and sharing some of the fun.

This family-friendly event is not only for fun and celebration of a subculture that is gaining in popularity--it is a fundraiser for Florence's 1923 opera house, the Rialto Theater that is currently under renovation.

Last year was the first festival and about 1,500 people showed up. At least double that number are expected this year--but I'm thinking some of the new events and increased publicity should draw even more festival goers.

Got musical talent? Sure you do. Got the steampunk vibe going on? Then you are in luck, because the 2nd annual Escape In Time To Steampunk and Wine Festival in Florence, Colorado will feature a new event--a talent contest.

There is no entry fee. Wait, it gets better. There are just prizes! And if you are chosen at the upcoming auditions you earn a spot on the bandstand in April at the steampunk festival.

Yes, it even gets better. This entire event is not only designed for extreme family-friendly fun, it is also designed to raise money for the the historic Rialto Theater, Florence's 1923 opera house that is currently under restoration.

Auditions for the steampunk talent show are scheduled on Saturday, Feb. 27 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Bell Tower Cultural Center, located at 201 East Second St. in Florence. But if that audition schedule doesn't work--you can possibly arrange for an alternate audition by emailing steampunkwine@yahoo.com or calling 719-431-3592.

Thursday, February 11, 2016

In the days of un-supersizing, banning huge sugary soft drinks, cleaning up school lunch menus and making sugar the white devil--I have my favorite (to date) politically incorrect antique.

I love this tin Baby Ruth holder. OK, I love Baby Ruths and have been known to slam a few down my cakehole now and then.

I'm still in tears (and sugar shock) that I was not from the generation where I could get my sugar high for a nickle.

But what makes me laugh--after I pick out the delicious chewy caramel and CRISP nuts out of my teeth--are the mixed messages here.

After lunch, it's a tasty dessert. BUT: Two make a complete lunch. Well, of course two would make a complete lunch, because it's balanced food!

Now, I know the true secret of America's rise as a leading industrial nation. Now I know how all those skyscrapers got built. It was that complete lunch that everyone thought was balanced food and wonderful energy.

Darn, you science and nutrition experts! I want to return to the days where I could eat two Baby Ruths for lunch and then go for the mixed message of having one after lunch for a tasty dessert--which in actuality would allow me THREE Baby Ruths for my lunch.

Who says antiques can't be fun and funny? You won't hear that from me.

I am NOT an antiques expert--but I like to play one on the internet. Actually I spent about 15 years selling antiques, collectibles and plain junk on the internet, so I never got to meet any of my customers in person.

So, when we moved to Florence--the antiques capital of Colorado, I began working in some of the antiques stores. And antiques dealers are a humorous lot--which I never realized.

We sit around laughing and joking about our antiques, other people's antiques and the paradox that is attempting to know what people want to buy. The day one decides that a pile of stuff that has been sitting on one's booth is sheer junk, a mistake, a lapse in judgement and needs to be carted off--is usually the day someone comes in and falls in love with it and buys it all.

And usually when you've found a piece that you think is so fine, so exquisite and magnificent--is the day you overhear someone chuckling that it is weird.

But here's what you often find antiques dealers chuckling over the most--politically incorrect antiques. I personally chuckle the most over clown collectibles and antiques and have made outrageous fun of those oddities in previous blog posts.

So, in honor of having fun in the antiques trade, occasionally I'll highlight a politically incorrect antique or collectible. Just to be clear--some of these antiques or collectibles, I'd have in my own home. I'm not making fun of the dealers or the items necessarily--just how times have changed with modern science and knowledge and how some items are hopelessly hysterical and amusing when viewed through the lens of modern times.(I have to say that because I don't want to be politically incorrect and offend anyone). And it's most often customers that will come in and laughingly comment on what fun it is.

Ladies and gentleman, rev your engines! It's almost time for one of the most exciting events in Florence, the antiques capital of Colorado--The 15th Annual Florence Merchants Car Show on May 22, 2016.

What started out with just a few cars in 2002, the car show now hosts up to 170 (or perhaps even more) entrants showing off their spectacular rides.

The Florence Merchants Car Show is a laid-back, noncompetitive event that allows vehicle owners and spectators a chance to socialize and compare notes.

Three blocks of Florence's Main Street (CO. Hwy. 115) will be closed off from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on show day.

All the antiques shops, art galleries, gift shops, eateries and other businesses will be open during the car show--allowing spectators to relax, stroll and see what the historic, friendly town of Florence has to offer.

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

If you see a roly-poly woman eating her way across Colorado--just kindly step out her way. But be sure and follow her way into whatever eatery she discovered, because it's sure to be good.

Florence, Colorado is the undisputed antiques capital of Colorado. But it is also turning into a culinary destination. One of Florence's newest eateries is Steele Smokin at 401 East Main St. It is located in the former location of Chaps.

Steele Smokin has a pretty extensive menu, so even though I tried (on two visits) to try everything--I wasn't able. But it's going to be a pleasure to try everything eventually.

The BBQ restaurant has a good-sized dining room and bar, but I got takeout.

This is the smoked chicken quarter ($8.99) which comes with two sides. Being carb-conscious (not) I chose the mac and cheese and baked beans. Delicious. And the cornbread? Don't believe I've ever tasted better.

The smoked chicken was tender and smoky. Patrons get a choice of four bbq sauces. I tried them all and settled on the sweet and smoky one as my favorite.

On a previous visit I tried the pulled pork, which was Carolina-style and quite succulent.

Yes, that's some coleslaw. Quite fresh and tasty. I had the potato salad last visit. Also pretty good.

But the truth? The meats are so delicious, succulent, tender and smoky at Steele, that I really only have eyes for them and the cornbread. Pictured above is the two-meat platter of ribs and brisket ($12.99). One can get a three-meat platter or a four-meat platter But really, I do try and have some restraint.

The ribs are St. Louis cut spare ribs with a Memphis inspired rub. Yes, I died and went to heaven on a two-state tour.

But the real money shot, in my opinion is the brisket. It's Texas-style and slow-smoked for hours. I got it twice, it was so good.

But of course I haven't tried the smoked meatloaf or sausage yet. So it's too early in the game to say that the brisket and I will meet every time I set a pudgy foot into Steele's. But the brisket is so out of this world, it will be hard to try anything else.

Steele Smokin also serves burgers and sandwiches, including a southern Colorado favorite--the Slopper.

The phone number at Steele Smokin is 719-784-7500. Takeout orders are quick. From the phone call to pickup time is usually under 20 minutes.

They used to say that you haven't lived until you've visited Naples. Naples, Italy that is. Well, in Fremont County we have a cheaper (and perhaps funner) alternative. And a pretty catchy slogan: You have lived until you've visited Larry Nelson in Florence. Florence, Colorado that is. Not Florence, Italy.

Larry owns Florence Antiques on Florence's Main St. He's well known by customers all over Colorado and is well known by most everyone in Fremont County.

And hat's off to the Canon City Daily Record for running a feature story about Larry.

And if you haven't gotten your Larry fix from that great story--you can do a search on this blog. Yes, we are known on occasion to cover Larry's interesting adventures in Florence--and even suggested he'd be a good candidate for his own reality show.

The Record got it right when it subtitled the story: Why We Love Fremont County.

It's the people that make an area extra interesting--and Larry Nelson fits the bill.

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Florence, the antiques capital of Colorado, is hosting a vintage Valentine's Day on Sat. Feb. 13.

I personally can't think of a more pleasant way to celebrate Valentine's and love than strolling the historic streets of Florence and browsing in the many antiques stores, gift shops and art galleries.

But the feast for the senses doesn't stop there. Florence has many excellent eateries. And one can spend the evening at Bell Tower Cultural Center enjoying a jazz concert.

It's a tough job--but somebody has to do it. Eating my way across Colorado, this time landed me at a new pizza place in Florence--the antiques capital of Colorado.

If Florence isn't careful, the town will have to change its moniker to: the antiques and culinary capital of Colorado. For a small town, Florence is racking up some impressive selections of food.

Papa's is located at 132 W. Main St. in the building that used to house the popular Main St. Grille.

Papa's will open its main dining room in about a month, but late last week opened a walk-up window where one can order a whole pizza pie or just a slice.

Currently the offerings include pizza, ice cream, ice cream floats and soda, but the menu will be expanding soon.

Service at the walk-up window is quick and friendly. We received our steaming hot pie in under 15 minutes and as a bonus, we got a free dessert, created by the Itty Bitty Bakery right across the street. Nice touch!

Papa's walk-up window is currently open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The phone number is 719-784-7888.